Don’t Miss These Top 5 Offbeat Weekend Getaways From Chandigarh

The wide roads and urban vibe of Chandigarh are great, but sometimes your soul craves forests, mountains, or just a hidden hamlet where you can enjoy tea and hear the calming chirping of birds. If you are looking for a break from your 9-5 job and the hustle of city life, we have some good news for you. You don’t have to plan a long vacation to take that much-needed break. There are several offbeat weekend getaways from Chandigarh that promise fresh air, silence, and a digital detox.

In this blog, we have covered the top 5 offbeat destinations from Chandigarh that are perfect for a refreshing break. Excited to learn about those hidden gems? Let’s hop into the details!

5 Unforgettable Offbeat Weekend Getaways From Chandigarh

If you are planning a short trip from Chandigarh, but can’t decide on a destination, don’t worry. Here are the best options for an offbeat experience you’ll fall in love with:

• Barot: The Hidden Gem of Himachal

If you are tired of hearing about Kasol and Manali every other day, take the road less travelled, and you’ll find Barot. It is located in the district of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, which is a tiny village about 200 km from Chandigarh, and one of the true hidden places near Chandigarh for peace seekers. Earlier, this place was a fish breeding centre for the Britishers, but now it is a perfect escape for people who want to explore green valleys, experience riverside camping, and have zero phone network. Anglers come to this place for trout fishing, while adventure lovers come to explore the forest trails lined with pine and deodar trees. In short, with its pure mountain air, laid-back vibe, and rustic homestays, Barot is one of the best places to go on a quick trip alone or with your loved ones.

• Kanatal: A Secluded Himalayan Retreat

If you are dreaming of Mussoorie, but worried about the crowd, we have a better idea. You can skip going to Mussoorie and drive to Kanatal. This destination is about 200 km from Chandigarh, which offers the same stunning Himalayan charm without any chaos. Moreover, if you love apple orchards, pine forests, and tiny eco-resorts with bonfires under starlit skies, then Kanatal is the perfect place for you. Here you can walk through Kaudia Forest, camp on grassy meadows, or test your courage with valley crossing and ziplining for a sprinkle of adventure. Overall, Kanatal is one of the best destinations for a peaceful weekend getaway near Chandigarh, where couples and families can enjoy calm mornings and cosy nights.

• Prashar Lake: A Mystic Alpine Beauty

If you are planning to go on a 2-day trip near Chandigarh that feels magical, head towards Prashar Lake. It is an alpine lake located at 8,956 feet. The lake is near Mandi—about 180 km from Chandigarh—which makes it a perfect getaway destination for people who love a bit of trekking and a lot of silence. The star of the show here is the crystal-clear lake with a floating island that moves. The trek to this lake is perfect for beginners as well. 

The lake is where you can truly connect with nature. There are simple guesthouses and campsites near the lake, where you can spend your night stargazing and wake up to the reflection of the mountains in the still waters. It’s no wonder that this mystical lake is among the perfect weekend getaway destinations for nature lovers.

• Tirthan Valley: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

If you’re hunting for places near Chandigarh for a weekend trip that combines adventure, nature, and raw beauty, look no further than Tirthan Valley. This valley is around 250km from Chandigarh and a gem in the Kullu district of Himachal. Moreover, it is a part of the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park region. The Tirthan Valley is heaven for riverside camping, trout fishing, or simply curling up with a book in a wooden cottage by the river. The valley is dotted with peaceful villages such as Shoja and Gushainin, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination for all offbeat explorers.

In addition, you can trek to the Serolsar Lake, spot rare birds in the dense forests, or chase waterfalls. No matter the season, this valley makes for a refreshing weekend trip from Chandigarh, where you’ll find more chirping birds than Instagrammers.

• Churdhar: The Highest Peak in the Shivaliks

If you want to tick off a trek from your bucket list this weekend, say hello to Chaudhar. It is one of the highest peaks in the outer Himalayas at about 12,000 feet. It is just 120 km from Chandigarh and a perfect spot for people looking for a unique place to spend their weekend that involves a bit of sweat and a lot of stunning views.

Chudhur is not just a peak, but a sacred place too, with the ancient Chureshwar Mahadev temple at the top. The trek to this place will take you through a dense forest of deodar and pine, breathtaking mountain vistas, and blooming meadows. On clear days, you might even spot peaks like Kinnaur Kailash and Badrinath in the distance. Overall, it’s one of the best weekend destinations from Chandigarh if you’re up for an adventurous weekend that leaves you humbled by nature’s beauty.

Quick Tips for Your Getaway From Chandigarh

If you have finally decided on your offbeat getaway destination, here are some quick tips that will help you make your entire journey smooth and memorable: 

• Plan Early: These hidden places near Chandigarh have very limited stay options that fill up fast on weekends. Thus, make sure to plan and book your hotel stay early to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.
• Travel Light & Eco-Friendly: On your trip to these beautiful places, ensure to carry reusable bags and water bottles, respect local rules, and try not to leave any trash behind. This ensures that the less-crowded weekend getaways near Chandigarh don’t lose their raw charm.
• Book a Reliable Cab or Self-Drive Safely: Most of these hidden gems have steep and narrow roads. Thus, make sure to book a reliable cab with an experienced driver, or if you have your own vehicle, make sure to drive slowly.
• Consider Booking a Tour Package: If you are going on a trip to any of the above-mentioned destinations, try to book your Chandigarh tour package with a trusted travel company to get the best stays, safe transport, and enjoy the local experiences at these offbeat gems.

Plan Your Getaway from Chandigarh with Indiator

Next time you’re craving a break, skip the obvious destinations and try any of these 5 unique spots instead. They’re the best getaways from Chandigarh if you want to come back with a calm mind and a happy heart. If you want your getaway to be smooth and hassle-free, connect with your trusted travel agency in Delhi/NCR—Indiator. We craft the perfect itineraries so that you only have to pack your bags, put on your favourite road trip playlist, and hit the highway.